The Penalties for an OWI Conviction

First Conviction

In addition to facing a high monetary forfeiture and other associated court costs, your driving privileges will be revoked for 6 to 9 months following your first OWI conviction in Wisconsin. You will also be required to attend a mandatory alcohol education program and an alcohol treatment program. Additionally, your insurance company may increase your rates to an unmanageable level or you may lose coverage.

First Conviction (With Minor Passenger)

A first offense OWI conviction where a person under age 16 was present in the vehicle is a criminal offense, and the penalties are similar to those for a second offense conviction: a minimum of 5 days to 6 months in jail, $350 - $1,100 in fines plus associated court costs.

Third Conviction

A third OWI conviction results in driving privileges being revoked for 2 to 3 years, 45 days to 1 year in jail, $600 - $2,000 in fines, vehicle immobilization with an ignition interlock device (IID) for 12 to 36 months, and mandatory alcohol treatment.

Fourth Conviction (Five Years or More Since Last Conviction)

A fourth OWI conviction results in driving privileges being revoked for 2 to 3 years, 60 days to 1 year in jail, $600 - $2,000 in fines, vehicle immobilization with an ignition interlock device (IID) for 12 to 36 months, and mandatory alcohol treatment.

OWI Causing Injury

An OWI conviction resulting in an injury is punishable by $300 - $2,000 in fines, 30 days to 1 year of imprisonment (up to 6 years for those with a prior OWI conviction).

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